Councilor Christman made and Councilor Coffin seconded the motion to approve the July 14, 2014 minutes. Motion passed unanimously.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Downtown Welcome Sign: Michele stated that she called Jerry Hays for cost estimates and Jerry stated he had given Councilor Parks all of that information. Councilor Parks stated that the sign would probably cost around $800. Michele stated she would like to see us move forward and asked for a budget approval to move forward on this. After discussion it was felt $1200 should pay for the all costs. Councilor Christman made a motion to approve $1200 to be spent out of the Opportunity Fund in the Motel Tax Fund. Councilor Parks seconded that motion which passed unanimously.

Marijuana Dispensaries

The council discussed the upcoming measure coming before the voters to legalize marijuana and the effects on current law.

Roland feels we should prepare ourselves for legal authorities under existing law and legal sales outlets for legalized marijuana if it passes. Roland felt it would be useful if he read the text of what the public is voting on so he can advise the council on what to expect and what decision we are going to have to make. Roland will make himself familiar with the measure and report back to the council.

Main Street Show and Shine

Wes stated they are not going to cross River Street as previously presented. They will stay on the West side of River Street. Wes stated they have a good chance of having about 105 cars, there will be a street dance Friday night as well.

Larry Christman asked about the Thunder Rally. Wes stated that there have been inquiries on noise and we will just monitor that.

Councilor Christman made a motion to send out an RFP for a Hearings Officer. Councilor Miller seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Michele stated that she and Lacey are unsure what we are supposed to do with people who are calling.

Roland, Michele, Lacey and Paige to meet about procedures in court

POLICE SCHEDULING

Wes reported David Gette is no longer employed. TJ Miller has been offered a temporary position for at least months.

Wes stated that he did check into the issue of the public smoking laws, the enforcement authority is State Health, it is not a city function.

LIBRARY REPORT: Denine reported that they have raised $1,000 for their lift project. Her reading program ended with 119 kids.

PUBLIC WORKS: Ronnie presented pictures of two different reservoir designs. One is Bolted Steel and the other is Welded Steel. Ronnie recommended a Welded Steel Reservoir. Ronnie was asked if Troy Baker from Anderson Perry had a preference, Ronnie stated Welded. With the Welded steel you don’t have to have it on a concrete floor. Wallowa just put one in, their existing one has been in place for 50 years. Ronnie stated they also had an electrical engineer come in and look at the well pump. The pump that is there has been there for 25 years, they want to pull the existing well pump. It is 150 hp, we probably won’t need that much hp but it is a good pump and Ronnie prefers to send our existing pump in and have it refurbished and keep it. The consensus was to go with Ronnie's recommendation.

Michele stated they have sent out tall grass letters but the one that is a problem is the one behind the old Best Western Motel. Michele stated vacant lots with landowners who do not live here are a real problem to enforce. Michele stated she would like try to come up with better enforcement. Michele stated they have completed their review of Winter EDU's and have sent out letters to all affected property owners. They had 24 accounts that had reduced sewer edu's, 53 accounts with increased edu's and a few accounts that have been given 30 days to looks for leaks. The accounts that barely went over minimum and it was their first time were give a one-time waiver.

OTHER BUSINESS

Mayor Shaw read a letter from the Wallowa Valley Golf Assoc. inviting the City Council to a tour of the golf course and dinner on Tuesday, August 19th at 6 pm . Mayor Shaw encouraged the council to attend this.